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Utility of Multiple Specifiers for Subtyping Oppositional Defiant Problems: Investigating Multiple Psychopathy Dimensions as Specifiers

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Abstract

Past research has speculated that using grandiose-manipulative (GM) and daring-impulsive (DI) traits, rather than solely callous-unemotional (CU) traits, could better inform subtyping youths with behavioral problems. However, this approach remains largely untested. To further enhance our understanding of this matter, the current study utilized self-report (n = 2,381) and parent-report (n = 1,846) data to examine the utility of three psychopathic dimensions as specifiers for oppositional defiant problems (ODP). Findings showed that ODP was a significant predictor of negative outcomes, while the GM, CU, and DI traits emerged as significant predictors of theoretically and clinically relevant external variables (e.g., conduct problems and proactive aggression), independent of ODP (and age, gender, and socioeconomic status), forming the potential foundation for the development of specifiers for ODP. Furthermore, children presenting ODP alongside heightened levels of the three psychopathic traits demonstrated notably higher scores in important external variables compared to other groups, including but not confined to the subgroup of children with ODP and high CU trait levels. Findings provide preliminary support for employing GM and DI traits as specifiers for ODP. However, more comprehensive evaluations of these specifiers' utility would help inform ongoing discussions before definitively concluding they should be included in diagnostic manuals.

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Data Availability Statement

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Notes

  1. T-scores above 70 were used as a threshold to identify youths in the clinical range for various YRS scores, including CP (n = 109, 4.58%), ODP (n = 88, 3.70%), ADHD (n = 103, 4.32%), Affective (n = 125, 5.24%), Anxiety (n = 119, 5.00%), and Social (n = 98, 4.11%) Problems (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001). While clinically informative, these clinical range scores were not central to the current study's aims and are presented here in a footnote for potential comparability with future research.

  2. Across both studies, group categorization and z-score conversions were performed separately for genders to address gender-based ODP and psychopathic trait differences. This led to smaller group sizes, potentially affecting the power to detect distinctions. Therefore, the study only discussed total sample results, with gender-based comparisons in the Supplementary Material. Additionally, analyses were duplicated using a stricter 1.00 SD cut-off, with corresponding results in the Supplementary Material.

  3. Similar to Study 1, CFAs were performed to assess the factor structure of the measures in this study. Detailed results are available in the Supplementary Material. Internal consistency was also evaluated using McDonald's omega, Cronbach's alpha, and mean inter-item correlation, accessible in Table 7.

  4. As with the YSR in Study 1, T-scores above 70 were used as a threshold to identify youths in the clinical range for CBCL scores, including CP (n = 90, 4.87%), ODP (n = 104, 5.63%), ADHD (n = 66, 3.57%), Affective (n = 75, 4.06%), Anxiety (n = 95, 5.14%), and Social (n = 87, 4.71%) Problems (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001). These clinical range scores were not central to the current study's aims and are presented here in a footnote for potential comparability with future research.

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Acknowledgements

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  1. Darkmind Research Group, Tabriz, Iran

    Mojtaba Elhami Athar

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Athar, M.E. Utility of Multiple Specifiers for Subtyping Oppositional Defiant Problems: Investigating Multiple Psychopathy Dimensions as Specifiers. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 52, 949–967 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-024-01167-z

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